Snoopy the rabbit meets Toyota, socialising the young ones
Snoopy came to us as a baby rabbit, about 8 weeks old, and Toyota was already 2 when we got him. The dog was not sure about a small furry thing running on the floor, she tried to chase him the first week. Socialising them both took longer than I expected, but now they nap in the same corner.
What worked for us: letting them see each other through a baby gate first, then short sessions on a mat in the living room, with treats for both. Snoopy learned that Toyota does not bite and Toyota learned that the bunny is not a toy to chew. We kept the first sessions to 5 minutes, sometimes less.
I also let Snoopy out in the garden only when Toyota was inside, at the beginning. Rabbits can be very quick and dogs have strong prey instinct, so supervision all the time is a must.
For puppies this is even more important. The earlier, the better, and expose them to many sounds and surfaces, not just other animals. Toyota now walks on the Jomtien road and ignores the trucks, which I am very proud of.
Take your time and do not force it. Snoopy still hides under the sofa sometimes and that is fine.
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thomas · 7개월 전
Great tip with the baby gate! My dog Marshmallow chase everything small too, so we will try it. Thanks